Huspuppi-FBI Indictment: IGP Recommends Suspension Of DCP Kyari
…As 4-Man special probe panel begins work
BY EVELYN DADU, ABUJA – The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari, from the Service of the Nigeria Police Force.
The move by the police top hierarchy is seen as part of concerted effort towards redeeming its negative public image that has been further dented following the Hushpuppi saga and indictment of one of its star officers, DCP Abba Kyari by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Following the recommendation of the IGP, DCP Kyari, who is the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), is to remain suspended pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigations touching on him.
The IGP, in his letter to the Police Service Commission, dated 31st July, 2021, stressed that the recommendation for the suspension of DCP Kyari, is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP further noted that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for the NPF Special Investigation Panel to carry out its investigations into the weighty allegations against DCP Abba Kyari without interference.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba said that the suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of DCP Abba Kyari.
CP Mba further said that the Special Investigation Panel (SIP), comprising four Senior Police Officers, is headed by DIG Joseph Egbunike, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID).
The spokesman of the Force explained that the SIP, inter alia, is to undertake a detailed review of all the allegations against DCP Abba Kyari by the US Government as contained in relevant documents that have been availed the NPF by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to Mba; “The SIP is also to obtain detailed representation of DCP Abba Kyari to all the allegations levelled against him, conduct further investigations as it deems fit, and submit recommendations to guide further actions by the Force Leadership on the matter”.
In the meantime, IGP Baba has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of the sanctity of the probe as well as the absolute respect for the rights and privileges of the officer throughout the period of the investigations.